This year has been challenging, right? I know…you and I both thought last year was super tricky and that this year was going to be better. In some ways, it has been. Things are closer to normal. But I’m of the opinion that we have to get over the idea that things are ever going to get back to normal. You are living in the new normal. Your students have been through challenges that you and I never could have imagined. Society is forever changed, and let’s face it, even before 2020, our students were already struggling hard.
I propose that instead of focusing on what has changed and why, we need to just adjust. Let’s look at our students, note what is working, and modify what isn’t. Otherwise, your school year is only going to get harder. I mean, we all know what our classes look like at the end of the year!
I think you’ll find that adding an element of fun to your curriculum every day is the best recipe for a smooth and peaceful day. I know what you’re thinking…Music class can’t just be fun!! Or can it?? I’m here to tell you that I am focusing hard on the fun, and my kiddos are learning more than ever. AND (I swear this is true) I’m also having less behavior issues.
Let’s talk for a bit about why adding fun and silly works and why it’s not only important for your students but also incredibly valuable for you as a teacher. Here are five reasons to add fun and silly to your day:
- Your students will love coming to Music – this is a no brainer…a win, win if you will. There is nothing better than hearing students say, “Yay, today is Music!” Excitement creates engagement, and engagement creates better learning.
- When your kiddos think something is fun, dopamine is released in their brains. (check out this article for more info). Higher dopamine means better memory and more attentive and motivated students
- Having fun encourages your students to be risk takers. Everyone wants to participate when something is enjoyable, and they may not even think about putting up a road block.
- Creating an experience in your classroom that is thrilling develops of natural trust of learning in your students. Instead of thinking, “Ugh, I have to go to school today, your students will instead think, “I can’t wait to get to school today to see what I’m learning”.
- Adding an element of silly and fun increases both your students’ aha moments and their ability to make connections in what they’re learning. Engagement increases the ability to store what they are learning in their long term memory and therefore, the information is retained.
Now that you know why it’s important to add enjoyable activities to your classroom, your next question is, what does this look like? Well, it looks a little different depending on the skill you’re teaching. In the coming weeks, I’m going to spend some time sharing my fun guide.
In the meantime, you can get an idea of what these types of activities look like by checking out my social media pages and by visiting my shop. I have tons of delightful, classroom-tested lesson plans for you to check out.